What is Empathy?
If we were to define empathy, in simple words, it is the ability to put yourself in other people’s shoes. It means to see things from the other person’s perspective. It’s the capacity to tune into someone else’s emotions and feel them. Empathy is about being present and attuned to the emotions of those around you and responding with understanding. Now that we’ve understood what empathy is, let us know the different types of empathy:
1. Affective Empathy
This type of empathy revolves around feeling the other person’s emotions and responding appropriately. Affective empathy might lead you to be concerned about the other person’s well-being or lead to personal distress.
2. Somatic Empathy
This type of empathy evokes a physical reaction to someone else’s condition. For example, if you see someone crying, you start crying, too, or if you see someone throwing up, you start throwing up, too.
3. Cognitive Empathy
Cognitive empathy is what psychologists call the theory of mind. In this type of empathy, you can understand the other person’s mental state and the thoughts running through their mind in that situation.
Importance of Empathy
Empathy increases happiness in life by strengthening your relationships, reducing burnout and improving your emotional intelligence. Below are some key benefits of being more empathetic:
Building Strong Relationships
Empathy is one of the critical components to building strong relationships. When you’re able to understand your loved one’s feelings and respond kindly, it helps strengthen bonds. It becomes easier for the other person to understand your perspective, too. Having strong relationships is one of the main factors in feeling happier and more satisfied in life.
Understand the essential qualities of a healthy relationship in this short video with Kanchan Wadi on SoulSensei.
Conflict Resolution
If you’re arguing with a loved one, having empathy may help you understand their perspective better. It will prevent you from saying hurtful things you don’t mean and save yourself from damaging that relationship. When you empathise with someone, finding a resolution acceptable to both parties becomes easier.
Explore this short video on conflict resolution with Nityanand Charan Das.
Emotional Intelligence
In social scenarios, empathy can guide you to make wise decisions. It can help you think right and decide the best course of action. For example, if you see your mom getting overworked and stressed, you notice her discomfort and take over some of her responsibilities.
Alleviate Burnout
Studies have shown that empathy can lead to better collaboration and communication in the work environment, which can reduce the chances of burnout.
How to Develop Empathy?
The good news is that empathy isn’t a fixed trait. This means it can be developed and learnt. It’s like exercising a muscle in your brain to be more empathetic. Here are some things you can do to understand those around you better:
1. Improve Listening
Listening skills are essential to develop empathy. You can improve them by ensuring you give full attention to the person speaking. Leave everything aside and listen to them attentively. Unless you listen closely, you won’t be able to get a complete understanding of their condition. When they’re talking, try not to interrupt. Allow them to finish their side of the story. Cutting someone off breaks their chain of thought, and it might lead to misunderstanding. Lastly, when listening, withhold judgment. Even if you disagree with them, listen with an open mind. Avoid criticising or blaming. This will make them feel heard and seen.
2. Understand Body Language
People speak a lot with their bodies. Pay attention to facial expressions, gestures and postures. These can be signs of how someone is feeling.
3. Be Curious
Explore new perspectives by reading books, watching movies and having conversations to understand better what someone else is going through. When you keep an open mind, you can put yourself in other people’s shoes with ease.
4. Ask Questions
Be interested in the other person’s life. Instead of making assumptions, ask them about how they’re feeling and what they’re thinking. It shows that you care and helps you better understand the other person’s point of view.
5. Be Aware
Question your biases and notice when you’re judging others. Most of us see the world through a specific lens, which can make you close-minded.
Try this short track with Shreans Daga on how to stop judging others.
Difference Between Empathy vs Sympathy
It’s important to understand the difference between empathy and sympathy because they often get confused. Sympathy, unlike empathy, doesn’t involve fully feeling the other person’s pain. When you’re sympathetic, you might care about the other person’s problem, but you don’t completely understand it. Sympathy is similar to feeling pity for a person, whereas empathy is similar to feeling compassionate.
Empathy is the ability to understand another person’s emotions. It allows us to better understand others and take action to alleviate their suffering. Empathy is not a fixed trait and can be learned. You can develop empathy by improving your listening skills, understanding body language, embracing your vulnerability, and exploring new perspectives. Discover guided sessions with experts on developing empathy and more on SoulSensei.
Sources
- Very Well Mind- What is empathy? By Kendra Cherry
- Empathy. How to feel and respond to the emotions of others. By Sheldon Reid.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I practice empathy in a work environment?
You can practice empathy in your workplace by watching out for signs of burnout in your colleagues, showing sincere interest in the needs of others, being willing to help employees with any problems, and showing compassion when your colleagues share their personal problems or losses.
What if I find it hard to empathise with someone with different beliefs or values?
Being empathetic doesn’t mean you agree with everything the other person believes. It simply means accepting and understanding what they’re going through, even if you disagree.
Can empathy be developed, or is it a trait you’re born with?
While empathy can be a trait you’re born with, there are ways you can develop it. You can improve your listening skills, getting more vulnerable and embracing new perspectives.
How does empathy contribute to effective leadership?
When you demonstrate empathy as a leader, your employees will feel safer with you. It will be easier for them to trust you with their problems. This will help you to resolve problems better and improve collaborations between teams.
What are five ways to show empathy?
The five ways to show empathy are to become a better listener, share your feelings and experiences, be aware of your own opinions, offer support in any way you can and withhold judgment.
